Public Opinion of Forestry 2019 Wales

Release date: 27 June 2019

Coverage: Wales

Geographical breakdown: None

Issued by: Forest Research 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT Enquiries: Robert Stagg 0300 067 5238 statistics@forestresearch.gov.uk Statistician: Sheila Ward 0300 067 5236 Website: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/statistics/

## Contents

| Section | Page | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|------| | Introduction | 4 | | Key findings | 5 | | Benefits and disadvantages of woodlands | 6 | | Benefits of woodlands | 6 | | Disadvantages of woodlands | 8 | | Benefits and disadvantages of street trees | 11 | | Benefits of street trees | 11 | | Disadvantages of street trees | 13 | | Urban trees | 15 | | Targeting of public resources | 15 | | Support for urban trees | 17 | | Woodland recreation | 18 | | Proportion visiting woodland | 18 | | Reasons for not visiting woodlands | 19 | | Type of woodland visited | 20 | | Woodland activities | 21 | | Foraging in woodland | 23 | | Satisfaction with woodland visited | 24 | | Management of woodlands visited | 25 | | Reasons for choosing to visit woodlands | 26 | | Access to woodland | 28 | | Community Engagement | 30 | | Public consultation | 30 | | Approach to replanting felled areas | 30 | | Organised Learning Activities | 32 | | Conservation and Volunteering | 33 | | Awareness of logos | 34 | | Tree health | 35 | | Wood as a fuel | 37 | | Accessibility | 41 | Introduction

The Forestry Commission/Forest Research has conducted biennial surveys of public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues since 1995. These surveys are used to inform and monitor policy development.

This publication presents results for Wales from the Welsh Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019, commissioned by Forest Research on behalf of the Welsh Government, on:

- benefits and disadvantages of woodlands;
- benefits and disadvantages of street trees;
- urban trees;
- woodland recreation;
- community engagement;
- awareness of logos;
- tree health;
- wood as a fuel; and
- accessibility.

A copy of the questionnaire used in this survey, giving complete wording of questions and the response options available, is provided in the Annex at the end of this report.

Surveys have also been run across the UK (to provide results for the UK and for England) and in Northern Ireland. Separate reports, providing results from these surveys, are available at https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/statistics-by-topic/public-opinion-of-forestry/.

Results from the 2019 survey are published for the first time in this release. Figures for earlier years have not been revised from those previously released. For further details, see the Revisions section of the Annex.

As the data are obtained from a sample survey, there is a range of uncertainty (confidence interval) associated with any results produced. Any differences referred to in the text are statistically significant at the 95 per cent confidence level unless otherwise stated. For further details, see the Data Sources and Methodology and the Quality sections of the Annex.

Unless otherwise specified, this report refers to woodlands and trees in both urban and rural settings. The Glossary in the Annex provides further information on terms used. Key findings

The main findings in 2019 are:

- 97% of respondents believed the woodlands near them provide at least one benefit for the local community. Around one half (47%) believed that there was at least one woodland-related issue that disadvantaged the local community.
- 93% of respondents believed street trees provide at least one benefit for the local urban area. Around two thirds (65%) believed that there was at least one disadvantage. The most commonly identified benefit of street trees was that they make the local urban area look more attractive (72%).
- Around three quarters (77%) of respondents have visited forests or woodlands in the last 12 months. Of these, almost all respondents agreed they would visit again and 98% would recommend the woodland/forest to a friend or relative.
- Around three quarters (73%) of respondents said there was a woodland or forest they could get to easily without using a car or other transport.
- 4% of respondents had been consulted about plans for creating, managing or using woodlands in their area and 44% would like to be consulted in future.
- 56% of respondents would prefer a mix of conifers and broadleaves to replace trees that have been felled.
- Around one fifth (21%) of respondents reported that they or a family member had attended an organised learning activity or event associated with woodlands in the last 12 months.
- Around two in five respondents (41%) who had visited woodland had gathered products from forests or woodlands in the last 12 months.
- Over one half (55%) of respondents recognised the FSC logo on wood products.
- 16% of respondents use wood as a fuel, most commonly in the form of wood logs.
- Around one third of respondents reported having a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness. Of these, less than one half said that it affected their use of woodlands/forests or other green spaces. Benefits and disadvantages of woodlands

The survey asked respondents two questions about the benefits and disadvantages of nearby woodlands (urban and/or rural) for the local community.

Benefits of woodlands

Most respondents to the 2019 survey (97%) believed the woodlands near them provide at least one benefit for the local community (Table 1).

As in previous years, the most commonly selected benefit in 2019 was ‘they provide places for wildlife to live’ (83%). ‘They improve the landscape’ (71%) and ‘they provide places for recreation’ (67%) were also selected as benefits by a large proportion of respondents. Table 1 Benefits of woodlands for the local community

| Benefit | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------|------| | They provide places for wildlife to live | 67 | 62 | 70 | 77 | 83 | | They improve the landscape | 57 | 55 | 56 | 63 | 71 | | They provide places for recreation | 63 | 58 | 61 | 68 | 67 | | They provide places for relaxation and stress relief | 50 | 46 | 49 | 57 | 63 | | They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing climate change| 37 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 59 | | They can be used by local schools/educational groups | 43 | 39 | 41 | 47 | 56 | | They help reduce air and noise pollution | 31 | 29 | 28 | 43 | 52 | | They help attract visitors to the area | 40 | 40 | 37 | 49 | 52 | | They help soak up water in rainy weather | .. | .. | 27 | 39 | 48 | | They are accessible to all in the community | 39 | 38 | 35 | 42 | 48 | | They are an important resource for us all | .. | .. | 28 | 44 | 47 | | They give people in the community the opportunity to work together | 17 | 18 | 18 | 24 | 32 | | They support the local economy | 19 | 19 | 20 | 25 | 29 | | They provide timber and other wood products | .. | .. | .. | 25 | 26 | | They provide firewood | 23 | 21 | 14 | 20 | 22 | | Other | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | At least one benefit identified | 96 | 94 | 94 | 96 | 97 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one benefit.
3. There have been some changes to the wording of the question and the response options over time.
4. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year's survey).

Disadvantages of woodlands

In 2019, 47% of respondents believed that there was at least one woodland-related issue that disadvantaged the local community (Table 2).

The most commonly identified disadvantages in 2019 were that ‘the woodlands near us are used for fly tipping’ (selected by 26% of respondents in 2019) and ‘woodlands near us provide a place for criminal activity’ (15%). These were also the most commonly identified disadvantages in 2017.

### Table 2: Disadvantages of woodlands for the local community

| Disadvantage | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------|------| | The woodlands near us are used for fly tipping | .. | .. | 22 | 26 | | | Woodlands near us provide a place for criminal activity | 15 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | | We can't control what happens in our local woodlands | 11 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 10 | | Timber lorries make me feel unsafe walking/driving on the roads | 7 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 6 | | Woodlands don't provide local jobs - contractors from elsewhere are used | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | | Timber lorries/visitors to woodlands make the roads busy | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 5 | | It's really difficult to get firewood from our local woodlands | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | | Woodland operations create carbon dioxide making climate change worse | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | Woodland operations and visitors create noise pollution | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | The woodlands near us can't be accessed | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | | The woodlands near us aren't nice places to visit | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | The woodlands get in the way of development around the community | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | | Managing woodlands pollutes the air/water/soil | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | | The woodlands near us aren't good for wildlife | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | The woodlands make our landscape worse | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Other | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | | At least one reason | 42 | 39 | 38 | 43 | 47 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one disadvantage.
3. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year's survey). 0 denotes less than 0.5%. Benefits and disadvantages of street trees

Questions relating to the benefits and disadvantages of trees located in/along streets for the local urban area (town or city) have been included in the survey since 2013.

Benefits of street trees

Around nine in ten respondents (93%) to the 2019 survey believed street trees provide at least one benefit for the local urban area (Table 3).

As in previous years, the most commonly selected benefits were ‘they make the area look more attractive’ (selected by 72% of respondents in 2019) and ‘they provide places for birds and wildlife to live’ (62%). Table 3 Benefits of street trees for the local urban area

| Benefit | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------| | They make the area look more attractive | 62 | 71 | 73 | 72 | | They provide places for birds and wildlife to live | 43 | 50 | 61 | 62 | | They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing climate change | 28 | 31 | 44 | 53 | | They help people to feel more relaxed and calm | 25 | 30 | 42 | 44 | | They help reduce air and noise pollution | 23 | 20 | 32 | 42 | | Their shade helps to cool the area during summer | 24 | 30 | 36 | 42 | | They offer a connection with the seasons and nature | .. | .. | 37 | 40 | | They help to soak up water in rainy weather | 21 | 24 | 34 | 39 | | They create pleasant places to meet and mix with people | 20 | 27 | 28 | 37 | | They enhance the appeal and performance of shopping areas | 22 | 29 | 29 | 35 | | They provide health benefits | 19 | 18 | 34 | 34 | | They offer a connection with the seasons and nature and act as natural classrooms | 20 | 29 | .. | .. | | They act as natural classrooms | .. | .. | 22 | 28 | | They are just a benefit knowing they are there | 19 | 15 | 25 | 25 | | They increase property values and inward investment into the community| 13 | 12 | 20 | 19 | | They produce useful by-products | 7 | 8 | 13 | 19 | | They help to improve road safety | 6 | 6 | 8 | 12 | | Other | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | | At least one reason | 88 | 91 | 92 | 93 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one benefit. Disadvantages of street trees

In 2019, 65% of survey respondents selected at least one disadvantage of street trees from the response options provided (Table 4), an increase from around 56% in previous surveys.

As with previous years, the most commonly selected disadvantages in 2019 were ‘falling leaves and branches make a mess and are a health and safety hazard’ (35%) and ‘street trees damage buildings and cause subsidence’ (26%).

### Table 4 Disadvantages of street trees for the local urban area

| Disadvantage | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------| | Falling leaves and branches make a mess and are a health and safety hazard | 27 | 34 | 33 | 35 | | Street trees damage buildings and cause subsidence | 17 | 18 | 18 | 26 | | The trees are not properly looked after | .. | 11 | 15 | 15 | | Street trees reduce light to nearby houses and buildings | 13 | 10 | 11 | 15 | | Trees hide views | 10 | 12 | 9 | 14 | | We can't control what happens to the street trees | 7 | 5 | 8 | 10 | | Carrying out work to the trees causes disruption and mess | 6 | 6 | 7 | 9 | | Trees cause interference to TV reception and effectiveness of solar panels | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 | | The trees make the roads less safe | .. | 9 | 8 | 7 | | Trees harbour pests | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | | Street trees in urban areas near us provide opportunities for criminal activity and vandalism<sup>4</sup> | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | | The trees get in the way of developments in or around the urban area | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | | The trees in the urban areas near us aren't good for wildlife | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | | The trees make the urban landscape worse | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | | At least one reason | 56 | 58 | 56 | 65 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one disadvantage.
3. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year's survey).
4. In 2019 the wording was changed to include 'vandalism'. Urban trees

Questions relating to urban trees were introduced in 2017. The questions include street trees, but also have wider coverage that includes trees and woodlands in other urban areas.

Targeting of public resources

Respondents to the survey were first asked about priorities for targeting public resources for looking after urban trees and woods. Over one half (55%) of respondents placed trees in and around public gardens as either most or second most important, with woodlands around towns with public access coming most or second most important for one third (33%) of respondents (Figure 1). Street trees and those on roundabouts were ranked least important by around one quarter (24%) of respondents. Figure 1 Priorities for spending of public resources on urban trees

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2019 (1,001) Support for urban trees

Respondents were asked if they would be prepared to support urban trees in various ways.

Most respondents in 2019 indicated they would be prepared to raise concerns with the Local Authority if they noticed a problem with trees (69%) and 62% of respondents would be prepared to plant and tend trees in their communal area (Table 5).

Table 5 Activities to support urban trees

| Activity | 2017 | 2019 | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------| | Raising concerns with the Local Authority if you notice a problem with trees | 67 | 69 | | Planting and tending trees in your garden or communal outside area | 60 | 62 | | Watering newly planted trees in public areas during periods of dry weather | 49 | 50 | | Monitoring the health and condition of public trees | 48 | 50 | | Participating in community planting programmes | 48 | 46 | | Accepting higher council taxes which will be used for community tree programmes | 26 | 23 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001) Woodland recreation

The 2019 survey asked respondents several questions about their visits to woodland. This included whether the respondent had visited woodland, the activities undertaken, if they foraged, reasons for not visiting (if not), type of woodland visited, satisfaction, management of the woodland visited, frequency of visits, reasons for choosing to visit and access to woodland.

These questions do not distinguish whether the woodlands visited were located in Wales or elsewhere.

The wording of a number of these questions was modified in 2015, to focus on visits in the last 12 months (rather than the last few years) or on the most recent visit (rather than the woodland visited most often). As such, some of the results from 2015 on are not directly comparable with figures from earlier surveys.

Proportion visiting woodland

Over three quarters (77%) of respondents to the 2019 survey said that they had visited forests or woodlands for walks, picnics or other recreation in the last 12 months (Table 6), a significant increase from 2017. Table 6 Visits to woodland in the last few years/ 12 months percent of respondents

| Year | % | |------|----| | 2003 | 62 | | 2005 | 69 | | 2007 | 79 | | 2011 | 68 | | 2013 | 64 | | 2015 | 64 | | 2017 | 72 | | 2019 | 77 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals – 2003 (1,000), 2005 (1,001), 2007 (953), 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Question wording changed in 2015, from asking about visits "in the last few years" to asking about visits "in the last 12 months".

Reasons for not visiting woodlands

Respondents who had not visited woodland in the last 12 months were asked to state their main reasons for not doing so.

The most commonly stated reasons for not visiting were that the respondent had personal mobility reasons (other than not having a car) (35% in 2019) and too busy/did not have enough time (28%). Figure 2 Main reasons for not visiting woodlands in the last 12 months

| Reason | Percentage | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Other personal mobility reasons | 35% | | I’m too busy/not enough time | 28% | | Not interested in visiting | 14% | | Don’t have a car | 11% | | Woods are too far away | 10% |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019. Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had not visited woodlands: Weighted total = 2019 (224)
2. Respondents could select more than one reason.

Type of woodland visited

Respondents who had visited woodland in the last 12 months were asked about the type of woodland on their most recent visit.

51% of respondents to the 2019 survey who had visited woodland or forests in the last 12 months had visited woodlands in the countryside (51%) on their most recent visit and 48% had visited woodlands in and around towns (Figure 3).

When compared to previous surveys, a higher proportion of 2019 respondents indicated their latest visit was to woodland in and around town (48%). There was a corresponding decrease in the proportion that had visited woodlands in the countryside. Woodland activities

The majority of respondents in the 2019 survey who had visited woodland or forests in the last 12 months did so to walk recreationally (89%) (Table 7). Dog walking was undertaken by 43% of visitors. Table 7 Recreational activities undertaken in woodland in the last 12 months

| Activity | 2019 | |---------------------------------------|------| | Walking | 89 | | Dog-walking | 43 | | Picnicking | 32 | | Wildlife watching | 28 | | Sightseeing/ visitor attractions | 27 | | Children’s playground | 25 | | Running | 13 | | Off-road cycling/mountain biking | 12 | | Woodland crafts | 5 | | Climbing | 5 | | Fishing | 4 | | Swimming outdoors | 4 | | Horse riding | 3 | | Off-road driving/motorcycling | 1 | | Hunting | 1 | | Other | 2 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry 2019. Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted totals = 2019 (767)
2. Respondents could select more than one activity. Foraging in woodland

For the first time in 2019, respondents who had visited woodland or forests in the last 12 months were asked if they had gathered/foraged any products from the forest during their visits.

Around two in five respondents (41%) who had visited woodland had gathered products from forests or woodlands in the last 12 months. 23% of respondents had gathered decorative floral and craft products and 22% of respondents had gathered items for eating and drinking. A further 15% of respondents had gathered items for seasonal, cultural and religious use. 59% of respondents had not gathered any of the products listed from woodland.

Table 8 Gathered woodland products in the last 12 months

| Product | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|------| | Decorative, floral and craft products (such as foliage, branches, stems, moss, lichen and weld) | 23 | | Items for eating or drinking (such as berries, fungi, nuts, flowers and sap) | 22 | | Items for seasonal, cultural and religious use (such as holly, ivy and hazel wands) | 15 | | Medicinal and dietary supplements (such as St. John’s wort, meadowsweet and hawthorn) | 2 | | Other (please specify) | 1 | | None of the above | 59 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted totals = 2019 (767)
2. Respondents could select more than one product. Satisfaction with woodland visited

Respondents who had visited woodland or forests in the last 12 months were asked for their views on the woodland or forest that they had visited most recently.

88% of respondents strongly agreed, and 12% agreed that they would visit woodland again. Similarly, 82% of respondents strongly agreed and 15% agreed that they would recommend the woodland/forest to a friend or relative (Figure 4).

Figure 4 Level of satisfaction with most recently visited woodland

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted total = 2019 (746) Management of woodlands visited

Respondents to the 2019 survey who had visited woodlands were asked to state who managed the woodland that they had visited most recently. As the survey did not ask about the location of woodlands visited, it is not clear whether these woodlands were in Wales.

10% cited the National Trust as the manager, whilst 40% stated that they did not know who managed the woodland. 12% of respondents who had visited woodland or forests in the last 12 months reported that the woodland they had visited most recently was managed by the Forestry Commission and a further 4% stated that the woodland was managed by Natural Resources Wales (Figure 5).

15% gave other answers to this question that were not included in the response options provided. Local councils or local authorities were the most frequently mentioned responses within this category.

Figure 5 Management of most recently visited woodland

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys 2017, 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted totals = 2017 (746), 2019 (767) Reasons for choosing to visit woodlands

Respondents to the 2019 survey who had visited woodlands were asked what they thought was important to them in choosing to visit the woodland they had been to most recently.

The most important factors identified were the woodlands proximity - ‘It is in close/easy reach’ (64% of respondents who had visited woodland), ‘Peace and quiet’ (62%), and ‘Attractive scenery’ (59%) (Table 9).

### Table 9 Reasons for choosing to visit woodlands

| Reason | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------| | It is in close/easy reach | 55 | 59 | 64 | | Peace and quiet | 52 | 60 | 62 | | Attractive scenery | 51 | 64 | 59 | | Good for exercise | 46 | 53 | 53 | | A good place to unwind/de-stress | 41 | 49 | 51 | | Wildlife | 44 | 57 | 49 | | Dogs are welcome | 43 | 44 | 47 | | Safe environment | 36 | 45 | 43 | | No entrance charge | 36 | 38 | 41 | | Clear and accessible tracks and paths | 34 | 42 | 39 | | Knowing that visitors are welcome there | 28 | 37 | 35 | | Good facilities (e.g. toilets, café) | .. | .. | 27 | | Knowing you can access gates/stiles with your group | 22 | 23 | 21 | | Clear signage - both welcoming and directional | 19 | 20 | 17 | | Opportunities for learning | .. | .. | 15 | | A variety of activities | 11 | 18 | 14 | | Opportunity to collect woodland produce (including firewood) | 4 | 8 | 7 | | Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | | None of the above | 1 | 0 | 0 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted total = 2015 (654), 2017 (746), 2019 (767)
2. Respondents could select more than one reason.
3. Before 2015 this question asked all respondents about reasons to visit woodlands generally, so results for 2015, 2017 and 2019 are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.
4. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year’s survey). 0 denotes less than 0.5%. Access to woodland

Around three quarters (73%) of respondents to the 2019 survey said there was a woodland or forest they could get to easily without using a car or other transport, this was significantly higher than the 65% in 2017 (Table 8).

Table 10 Access to woodland without the use of a car or other transport

| Year | % | |------|----| | 2005 | 59 | | 2009 | 63 | | 2011 | 60 | | 2013 | 59 | | 2015 | 64 | | 2017 | 65 | | 2019 | 73 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2005 (1,001), 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)

Respondents who reported that they had access to woodlands without the use of a car or other transport were then asked to rate how safe and welcoming that woodland is. More than four in five (82%) gave a rating of good or better, while just 4% said that they did not feel safe or welcome (a rating of poor or very poor) (Figure 6). Figure 6 How safe and welcoming is accessible woodland?

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on respondents who had access to a forest or woodland easily without using a car: Weighted totals = 2019 (729). Community Engagement

Respondents were asked a set of questions relating to how they engage with woodland and forest issues through public consultation, learning activities and volunteer groups.

Public consultation

In the 2019 survey, 4% of respondents reported having been consulted about plans for creating, managing or using woodlands in their area (Table 11). Around four in ten respondents (44%) indicated that they would like to be consulted in the future.

Table 11 Public consultation about plans for woodlands

| | 2005 | 2007 | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |----------------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | Have you ever | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | | been consulted | | | | | | | | | | Would you like to | 19 | 43 | 32 | 27 | 28 | 37 | 39 | 44 | | be consulted in | | | | | | | | | | future | | | | | | | | |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2005 (1,001), 2007 (953), 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)

Of those who said that they would like to be consulted in the future, 55% thought that they would be able to influence decisions.

Approach to replanting felled areas

Respondents were then asked what they would prefer to see after trees were felled in terms of types of trees/woodland and approach to re-planting.

More than one half (56%) preferred to see a mix of conifers and broadleaves, with around one third (32%) preferring just broadleaves (Table 12). Table 12 Preferred trees/ woodland type following felling

| Preferred trees/woodland type | 2017 | 2019 | |-------------------------------|------|------| | A mix of conifers and broadleaves | 57 | 56 | | Broadleaves (e.g. oak, beech) | 33 | 32 | | Conifers (e.g. scots pine, juniper, yew) | 3 | 4 | | None - Don't want to see re-planting | 3 | 2 | | Don't know | 3 | 6 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys. Note: 1. Figures are based on respondents who had visited woodlands: Weighted totals = 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)

Following woodland felling, approximately two fifths (41%) of respondents said they would prefer to see a gradual restoration to a natural type of woodland and around one quarter (27%) preferring a quick replanting. A further 27% stated that they did not have a preference (Table 13).

Table 13 Preferred rate of re-planting

| Preferred rate of re-planting | 2017 | 2019 | |-------------------------------|------|------| | A gradual restoration to a natural type of woodland | 40 | 41 | | No preference | 29 | 27 | | Quick replanting | 26 | 27 | | None- Don't want to see re-planting | 2 | 2 | | Don't know | 2 | 3 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys Note: 1. Figures are based on respondents: Weighted totals = 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001) Organised Learning Activities

Respondents were asked whether they or any member of their family had attended any organised learning activities or events associated with woodlands in the last 12 months (Table 14).

In 2019, 21% of respondents said that they or a member of their family had attended at least one such event or activity, with 12% reporting that they or a family member had participated in a school trip.

A significant increase in the proportion of respondents attending a forest school was indicated in 2019 (from 3% in 2017 to 9% in 2019).

Table 14 Woodland learning activities attended

| Activity | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |-----------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | School trip | 11 | 10 | 11 | 18 | 10 | 12 | | Forest school | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3 | 9 | | Guided walk or talk | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 5 | | Organised course or training event | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | | An organised tree planting event | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | | Other organised event | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | | None of these | 81 | 83 | 82 | 73 | 80 | 76 | | At least one | 19 | 17 | 18 | 27 | 20 | 21 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one option.
3. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year’s survey).
4. 2019 figures shown in this table exclude the 3% of respondents who reported “don’t know” to this question. Conservation and Volunteering

Respondents were asked if they had been involved in voluntary work in connection with woodlands in the last 12 months or if they were a member of a community group involved in conservation and/or management of local woodlands.

Overall, 6% of respondents to the 2019 survey said yes to one (or both) of these areas of involvement (Table 15). Individually, 5% said they had been involved in voluntary work in connection with woodland in the last 12 months and 4% said they were involved with a community group that is involved in the conservation and/or management of local woodlands.

Table 15 Involvement in voluntary work or community group

| | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |--------------------------|------|------|------|------|------|------| | Involved in voluntary work | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | | Member of a community based woodland group | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | | Either (or both) of the above | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001) Awareness of logos

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are schemes that certify woodlands as well as wood and wood products originating from sustainably managed woodland. Each scheme has a logo, which is displayed on certified products.

HETAS is the official body recognised by government to approve biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services, including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses. HETAS has a logo, which is displayed on approved products.

In the 2019 survey, respondents were asked if they had seen the FSC, PEFC and HETAS logos on wood products. 55% of respondents to the 2019 survey recognised the FSC logo, 15% had seen the PEFC logo and 11% reported having seen the HETAS logo (Table 16).

The level of recognition for the FSC logo in 2019 (55%) represented a statistically significant decrease from the level reported in 2017 (62%).

Table 16 Awareness of logos on wood products

| Year | FSC | PEFC | HETAS | |------|-----|------|-------| | 2005 | 25 | 12 | .. | | 2009 | 36 | 12 | .. | | 2011 | 47 | 15 | .. | | 2013 | 49 | 11 | .. | | 2015 | 52 | 10 | 6 | | 2017 | 62 | 14 | 9 | | 2019 | 55 | 15 | 11 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2005 (1,001), 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year's survey). Tree health

Respondents were presented with a series of statements relating to tree health and asked to indicate their level of agreement (Table 17).

Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that:

- ‘Action should be taken by authorities and woodland managers to protect trees from damaging pests and diseases’ (85% in 2019);
- ‘I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to me’ (71% in 2019); and
- ‘Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases’ (69% in 2019).

Conversely, few respondents agreed or strongly agreed that:

- ‘There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging pests and diseases’ (21% in 2019);
- ‘I understand what is meant by biosecurity’ (37% in 2019).

### Table 17 Tree health

| Statement | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------|------|------| | Action should be taken by authorities and woodland managers to protect trees from damaging pests and diseases | 81 | 90 | 90 | 85 | | I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to me | 63 | 68 | 63 | 71 | | Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases | 66 | 69 | 69 | 69 | | I understand what is meant by biosecurity | 26 | 28 | 26 | 37 | | There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases | 21 | 27 | 22 | 21 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals = 2013 (1,012), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001) Wood as a fuel

In the 2019 survey, all respondents were asked a series of questions relating to the use of wood as a fuel in their home, either on its own or with other fuels.

These questions (also used in the 2015 and 2017 surveys) were selected for consistency with a UK survey of domestic woodfuel use, run by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in early 2015. This resulted in several changes to the wording of questions from those used in Public Opinion of Forestry surveys that were run in Wales between 2005 and 2011. Most of the results shown here are therefore not comparable with the results from surveys before 2015.

Respondents were first asked about whether they used wood as a fuel in their home and, if so, the form of wood used (Table 18). Most respondents (82%) reported that they did not use wood for fuel. Of those that did, wood logs were the most commonly reported form used (14% of all respondents).

Table 18 Use of wood as a fuel in the home

| Form of wood used | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | |-----------------------------------|------|------|------| | Wood logs | 12 | 12 | 14 | | Waste wood | 5 | 5 | 5 | | Foraged, gathered or found | 4 | 5 | 4 | | Wood briquettes/heat logs | 2 | 3 | 3 | | Wood pellets | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Wood chips | 1 | 0 | 1 | | Don’t know | 0 | 1 | 2 | | None of the above | 86 | 85 | 82 |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted total = 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Respondents could select more than one form of wood used.
3. .. denotes data not available (option not included in that year's survey). 0 denotes less than 0.5%. Surveys in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 had previously asked about the use of wood as a fuel in the home. 16% of respondents in the 2019 reported that they use wood as a fuel (Figure 7).

**Figure 7 Use of wood as a fuel in the home**

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents: Weighted totals – 2005 (1,001), 2007 (953), 2009 (1,002), 2011 (1,002), 2015 (1,022), 2017 (1,035), 2019 (1,001)
2. Questions on woodfuel were not included in the 2013 survey. Respondents who said that they did not currently use wood as a fuel in their home were then asked whether they were likely to do so in the future. Three quarters (75%) reported that they did not wish to use wood for fuel in the future and a further 11% said that they would like to use wood for fuel but were unable to do so (Figure 8).

**Figure 8 Future use of woodfuel**

| Year | Intend to use in next two years | Would like to use but unable to | Do not wish to use | Undecided | |------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|-------------------|-----------| | 2015 | 14% | 75% | 8% | | | 2017 | 10% | 80% | 7% | | | 2019 | 11% | 75% | 11% | |

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Surveys.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents who do not use woodfuel: Weighted totals = 2015 (881), 2017 (880), 2019 (824)

Respondents who currently use woodfuel or who would like to do so in future were asked about what attracted them to wood as a fuel (Figure 9). In 2019, 31% respondents mentioned that woodfuel was cheaper than other fuels and 31% of respondents said it looks attractive around the house.

Despite being the most attractive feature in 2019, the proportion of respondents attracted to firewood due to its relatively cheap cost has fallen significantly since 2015 from 45% in 2015 to 31% in 2019. In contrast, the proportion of respondents attracted to firewood as it looks good around the house has increased significantly from 19% of respondents in 2015 to 31% in 2019. Finally, respondents who intend to use woodfuel in the next 2 years and those who would like to use woodfuel but are unable to do so were asked about the factors that were preventing them from using woodfuel. Renting a property and being unable to modify it was the most commonly cited reason (41%), followed by not wishing to undertake major building work (20%). Accessibility

In the 2017 and 2019 survey, all respondents were asked whether they had any long term physical or mental health conditions or illnesses (i.e. lasting or expecting to last 12 months or more) and, if so, whether this had affected their use of woodlands, forests or greenspaces. This differed from the wording used in earlier surveys.

Around one third (31%) of respondents reported that they had a long term physical or mental health condition or illness, similar to the level reported in 2017. Of those with a condition/illness, under one half (44%) said that their condition affected their use of woodlands/forests or other greenspaces.

Respondents whose condition or illness affected their use of woodlands/forests or other green spaces were then asked to identify how their visit was affected (Figure 10). The most commonly identified factors were a lack of suitable paths around the woodland/forest or other green space (27%), a lack of accessible facilities (14%) and a lack of public transport (12%). Around one third (34%) gave other responses that were not included within the response options listed. Mobility or health issues were the most frequently mentioned responses within this category. Figure 10 How condition/ illness affects use of woodlands/ forests or other green spaces

Source: Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019.

Note:

1. Figures are based on all respondents who have a condition or illness that affects their use of woodlands/ forests or other green spaces: Weighted total = 2019 (139)
2. Respondents could select more than one factor. Annex

Introduction

This annex provides background information on the statistics presented in this release. It covers the data sources and methodology used to produce the statistics, information on quality measures and on any revisions to historic data and links to further information.

Glossary

Biosecurity A set of precautions that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. These may be pests, pathogens or invasive species.

Clustering A sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups, or clusters, and a random sample of these clusters are selected. All (or a selection of) observations in the selected clusters are included in the sample. Cluster sampling is often used when a random sample would produce a list of subjects so widely scattered that surveying them would prove to be far too expensive.

Confidence interval An estimated range of values that is likely to include an unknown population parameter (i.e. a fixed value for the population as a whole). The confidence interval around an estimate is derived from the sample data, and is used to indicate the reliability of the estimate.

Design factor A factor applied in the calculation of confidence intervals to take account of the survey design (clustering, weighting, stratification) used in selecting the sample. A design factor of 1.5 is commonly assumed by Market Research companies for omnibus surveys of the population.

Forest In the United Kingdom, there is no formal definition of “forest”; the term is often used for large woodland areas (especially conifers).

Forestry Commission (FC) The government department responsible for forestry matters in England, Scotland (until March 2019) and Wales (until March 2013). The Forestry Commission’s functions in Wales transferred to Natural Resources Wales, on 1 April 2013. The Forestry Commission’s functions in Scotland transferred to Scottish Forestry and to Forestry and Land Scotland on 1 April 2019.

**FSC** Forest Stewardship Council.

**Great Britain** (GB) England, Wales and Scotland.

**Natural Resources Wales (NRW)** The organisation responsible for advising the Welsh Government on the environment, created on 1 April 2013. NRW is responsible for the functions previously carried out by the Environment Agency in Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales.

**Quota sampling** A method of sampling where interviewers are each given a fixed number of subjects of specified type to interview.

**Statistical significance** A statistical assessment of whether observations reflect an actual pattern rather than just chance.

**Stratification** A sampling technique where the entire population is divided into groups, or strata, and a random sample is selected within each group. Stratified sampling is often used to ensure that sufficient numbers from each group are included in the overall sample, particularly where results are required for each group.

**Street trees** Trees in and along streets in urban areas (towns or cities).

**United Kingdom (UK)** Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

**Urban trees** Trees and woodland located in towns or cities. Includes street trees, as well as trees in urban woods, parks, gardens and other urban areas.

**Weighting** A set of factors assigned to survey responses to ensure that the resulting weighted results are representative of the population as a whole. Welsh Government The executive branch of the devolved government in Wales.

Woodland Land under stands of trees with a canopy cover of at least 20% (25% in Northern Ireland), or having the potential to achieve this, including integral open space, and including felled areas that are awaiting restocking.

Data Sources and Methodology

Background The Forestry Commission/Forest Research has conducted biennial surveys of public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues since 1995. The surveys have evolved since then as follows:

- in the initial surveys, a representative sample of 2,000 adults across Great Britain (GB) was surveyed;
- in 2001, with more interest in country-level results within GB, additional questions were asked of representative samples of 1,000 adults in each of Scotland and Wales;
- information has also been collected for Northern Ireland in the past through UK wide surveys in 2003 and the separate Northern Ireland surveys (1,000 adults) carried out in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2019;
- in 2019 three separate surveys were carried out for the UK, for Northern Ireland and for Wales. Some questions were asked in all three of the surveys conducted in 2019, but a number of questions have become survey-specific.

The table below is a summary of the previous surveys and presents the approximate number of adults interviewed for each country. England results are a subset of the UK survey. Table A1 Sample sizes for Public Opinion of Forestry surveys since 2001

| Year | UK¹ | England² | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | |------|-----|----------|-------|----------|-----------------| | 2001 | 2,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2003 | 4,000 | 3,400 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2005 | 4,000 | 3,400 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2007 | 4,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2009 | 2,000 | 1,700 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2010 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2011 | 2,000 | 1,700 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2013 | 2,000 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2014 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2015 | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2017 | 2,000 | 1,800 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | 2019 | 2,200 | 1,800 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |

Note:

1. 2001 and 2005 surveys covered Great Britain only (i.e. excluding Northern Ireland).
2. Results for England are derived from UK surveys.

Survey design The 2019 survey results presented in this report are taken from the Beaufort Research Wales Omnibus Survey March 2019. The majority of the fieldwork for the March 2019 survey took place between 25 February and 10 March 2019. A total of 1,001 interviews were completed and analysed.

Previous surveys were also obtained from the Beaufort Research Wales Omnibus Survey.

Methodology The Omnibus sample is designed to be representative of the adult population resident in Wales aged 16 and over. The unit of sampling is Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) and 69 interviewing points throughout Wales are selected with probability proportional to resident population, after stratification by Local Authority and Social Grade. A fresh sample of interviewing locations is selected each wave (i.e. each time the survey is run). Within each sampling point, interlocking demographic quota controls of age and social class within sex are employed for the selection of respondents. Quotas are set to reflect the individual demographic profile of each selected point.

A fresh sample of interviewing locations and individuals are selected for each survey and no more than one person per household is interviewed.

Interviews are conducted face to face in the homes of respondents utilising CAPI (Computer Aided Personal Interviewing) technology. Beaufort’s experienced fieldworkers are used with postal and telephone back-checking in accordance with ISO 20252.

**Questionnaire**

A copy of the 2019 questionnaire is provided at the end of this release. This covers the questions requested by Forest Research and the Welsh Government. In addition, a small number of questions are included as standard in the omnibus surveys run by Market Research companies (e.g. gender, age, country/region) and some of these are also used in analysing the results from the survey.

Most questions are retained from one survey to the next, to enable comparisons over time. However, changes are sometimes made to reflect changing circumstances or priorities, or to improve the wording of questions. The following changes were made for the 2019 questionnaire:

- New questions have been added on woodland activities (Q3b) and foraging (Q3c);
- Amendments have been made to the wording of some questions and response options, for clarification.

**Quality**

The data collected in the survey are weighted, to correct for imbalances between the profiles of the sample and the population and therefore ensure that the weighted results are representative of the Welsh adult population. For the 2019 survey, this weighting did not affect the total apparent number of respondents (1,001). However, it has resulted in an increase in the apparent number of respondents who visited woodlands, from a total of 745 adults who were interviewed to a weighted total of 767. The results quoted in this report are based on weighted data and sample sizes shown in footnotes to tables and figures are weighted totals. All results are subject to the effects of chance in sampling, so a range of uncertainty (confidence interval) should be associated with any result from the survey. The confidence intervals take into account the effect of clustering, weighting and stratification in the survey design (see methodology, above, for more details) – this is known as a design factor and is commonly assumed to be around 1.5 for surveys of this type.

Confidence intervals are most commonly reported at the 95% level. This means that there is a 95% chance that the true population value lies within the confidence interval. The following provides a guide to interpreting the results in this report on the basis of a 95% confidence interval and assuming a design factor of 1.5:

- For questions asked in 2019 to the whole Welsh sample of 1,001, the range of uncertainty around any figure should be no more than ±4.6%.
- For responses of subgroups, i.e. questions not posed to the whole sample of respondents, the range of uncertainty is correspondingly higher. For example, the uncertainty for statistics asked only to those who visited woodland (767 respondents) should be no more than ±5.3%.
- For questions asked to whole samples, differences of more than ±6.5% between the 2019 results and 2017 results are statistically significant.
- For questions asked only to those who had visited woodland, differences of more than ±7.6% between the 2019 results and 2017 results are statistically significant.

Further quality information on FC Official Statistics is available at: www.forestreresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/about-our-statistics/code-of-practice/quality-of-official-statistics/.

Revisions

Figures for 2019 are published for the first time in this release.

All figures are final. Figures for earlier years have not been revised.

The Forestry Commission’s revisions policy sets out how revisions and errors to these statistics are dealt with, and is available at: www.forestreresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/about-our-statistics/code-of-practice/quality-of-official-statistics/. Further information

Accompanying tables to this release, available at www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/statistics-by-topic/public-opinion-of-forestry/, provide more detailed figures, showing standard breakdowns.

Figures in tables have been independently rounded, so may not add to the totals shown.

Release schedule

The Wales Public Opinion of Forestry is a biennial survey, next due to run in early 2021 with results likely to be available in summer 2021.

Official Statistics

This is an Official Statistics publication. For more information about Official Statistics and the UK Statistics Authority visit www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk. Wales Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2019: Questionnaire

[ASK ALL]

Q1a – From this list, please tell me which of the following benefits you think that woodlands near you provide for the local community?

- They support the local economy
- They help attract visitors to the area
- They provide firewood
- They provide timber and other wood products
- They are accessible to all in the community
- They provide places for wildlife to live
- They provide places for recreation (such as walking, cycling, horse-riding)
- They provide places for relaxation and stress relief
- They improve the landscape
- They give people in the community the opportunity to work together
- They help reduce air and noise pollution
- They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing climate change
- They can be used by local schools and other educational groups
- They are an important resource for us all
- They help soak up water in rainy weather
- Other (please specify)
- None of the above [ASK ALL]

Q1b – From this list, please tell me which of the following woodland-related issues disadvantage your local community?

- Woodlands don’t provide local jobs – contractors from elsewhere are used
- It’s really difficult to get firewood and timber from our local woodlands
- The woodlands near us can’t be accessed
- The woodlands near us aren’t good for wildlife
- The woodlands near us aren’t nice places to visit
- The woodlands make our landscape worse
- The woodlands near us are used for fly-tipping
- The woodlands get in the way of developments around the community
- We can’t control what happens in our local woodlands
- Managing woodlands pollutes the air/water/soil
- Woodland operations and visitors create noise pollution
- Woodland operations create carbon dioxide making climate change worse
- Woodlands near us provide a place for criminal activity
- Timber lorries / visitors to woodlands make the roads busy
- Timber lorries make me feel unsafe walking/driving on the roads
- Other (please specify)
- None of the above [ASK ALL]

Q2a – Thinking about the nearest urban area (town or city), what benefits do you think street trees in this urban area provide?

- They make the area look more attractive
- They help people to feel more relaxed and calm
- They provide health benefits
- They provide places for birds and wildlife to live
- They help reduce air and noise pollution
- They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing climate change
- They are just a benefit knowing they are there
- They help to improve road safety
- Their shade helps to cool the area during summer
- They increase property values and inward investment into the community
- They help to soak up water in rainy weather
- They offer a connection with the seasons and nature
- They act as natural classrooms
- They create pleasant places to meet and mix with people
- They produce useful by-products (e.g. leaf mulch)
- They enhance the appeal and performance of shopping areas
- Other (please specify)
- None of the above [ASK ALL]

Q2b – Thinking about the nearest urban area (town or city), what disadvantages do you think street trees in this urban area cause?

- The trees in the urban areas near us aren’t good for wildlife
- The trees make the urban landscape worse
- The trees get in the way of developments in or around the urban area
- We can’t control what happens to the street trees
- Carrying out work to the trees causes disruption and mess
- Street trees in urban areas near us provide opportunities for criminal activity and vandalism
- Street trees reduce light to nearby houses and buildings
- Falling leaves and branches make a mess and are a health and safety hazard
- Street trees damage buildings and cause subsidence
- Trees cause interference to TV reception and effectiveness of solar panels
- Trees hide views
- Trees harbour pests
- The trees are not properly looked after
- The trees make the roads less safe
- Other (please specify)
- None of the above

[ASK ALL]

Q2c – Thinking about the nearest urban area (town or city), where would you prefer public resources for looking after urban trees and woods to be targeted? Please rank the following in order of importance, with 1 being ‘Most important’ and 6 being ‘Least important’

- Street trees and those on roundabouts or other green areas associated with roads
- Trees in and around public buildings and car parks
- Trees in pedestrian zones and public squares
- Trees in public parks and gardens
- Clusters of trees as a component of public parks and gardens
- Woodlands around towns with public access
- None of these – I don’t want public money spent on looking after urban trees or woods [ASK ALL]

Q2d – Thinking about the nearest urban area (town or city), would you be prepared to support trees by...?

- Participating in community planting programmes
- Watering newly planted trees in public areas during periods of dry weather
- Accepting higher council taxes, the funds from which will be used for community tree programmes
- Planting and tending trees in your garden or your communal outside area
- Monitoring the health and condition of public trees
- Raising concerns with the Local Authority if you notice a problem with trees

[ASK ALL]

Q3a – In the last 12 months, have you visited forests or woodlands for walks, picnics or other recreation?

- Yes – GO TO Q3b

- No – GO TO Q3d Q3b – What recreational activities have you undertaken in forests or woodland in the last 12 months?

- Walking

- Dog-walking

- Running

- Wildlife watching

- Picnicking

- Children’s playground

- Woodland crafts

- Horse riding

- Climbing

- Hunting

- Fishing

- Off-road driving / motorcycling

- Off-road cycling / mountain biking

- Sightseeing / visitor attractions

- Swimming outdoors

- Other (please specify)

- None of the above

Q3c – In the last 12 months have you ever gathered any of the following products from forests or woodland?

- Items for eating or drinking (such as berries, fungi, nuts, flowers and sap)

- Medicinal and dietary supplements (such as St. John’s wort, meadowsweet and hawthorn)

- Decorative, floral and craft products (such as foliage, branches, stems, moss, lichen, mistletoe and weld)

- Items for seasonal, cultural and religious use (such as holly, ivy and hazel wands)

- Other (please specify)

- None of the above Q3d – Which of the following, if any, are the main reasons for you not visiting woodland/forests more often or at all?

- Not interested in visiting more often

- Don’t have a car

- Lack of suitable public transport

- Other personal mobility reasons (difficulty in walking, unwell, etc.)

- Woods are too far away

- Lack of facilities (play areas, picnic areas, etc.)

- Lack of information about woods to visit

- Prefer other areas of countryside

- Concerns that woods are not safe

- Woodlands are badly maintained

- Cost of visiting

- Lack of confidence

- I’m too busy/ not enough time

- Other (please specify)

- None of the above

[NOW GO TO Q5a]

Q4a – Thinking about your most recent visit to woodland, did you visit woodland in the countryside or woodlands in and around towns?

- Woodlands in the countryside
- Woodlands in and around towns

[ASK IF YES AT Q3a]

Q4b – Thinking about your most recent visit to woodland, please use the card to tell me to what extent you agree with the following two statements.

(1 Strongly agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neither agree nor disagree, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly disagree)

- I would visit again.

- I would recommend it as a place to visit to a friend or a relative Q4c – Do you know who managed the woodland you visited on your most recent visit to woodland?

- Forestry Commission

- Natural Resources Wales

- Woodland Trust

- National Trust

- Community Managed Woodland

- Other (please specify)

- None of the above

Q4d – Thinking about your most recent visit to woodland, which of the following were important to you when choosing that woodland to visit?

- It is in close/easy reach
- Knowing that visitors are welcome there
- Good facilities (e.g. toilets, café)
- Attractive scenery
- Wildlife
- Peace and quiet
- A good place to unwind/ de-stress
- Good for exercise
- Safe environment
- No entrance charge
- Clear signage - both welcoming & directional
- Clear and accessible tracks and paths
- A variety of activities
- Dogs are welcome
- Knowing you can access gates and stiles with your group (including pushchairs, dogs, wheelchairs or if you have a disability)
- Opportunity to collect woodland produce (including firewood)
- Opportunities for learning
- Other (please specify)
- None of the above [ASK ALL]

Q5a – Is there a forest or woodland that you can get to easily without using a car or other transport?

- Yes
- No

[ASK IF YES AT Q5a]

Q5b – How would you rate that forest or woodland in terms of how safe and welcoming it feels?

- Excellent
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Very poor

[ASK ALL]

Q6a – Have you ever been consulted about plans for creating, managing or using woodlands in your area?

- Yes
- No

[ASK IF YES AT Q6a]

Q6b – Do you feel that you have influenced decisions about creating, managing or using woodlands in your area?

- Yes
- No

[ASK ALL]

Q6c – Would you like to be consulted in future about plans for creating, managing or using woodlands in your area?

- Yes
- No [ASK ALL]

Q7 – Have you and/or anyone in your family attended any of the following organised learning activities or events to do with woodlands in the last 12 months?

- School trip
- Forest school
- Guided walk or talk
- Organised course or training event (such as dry stone walling, fencing, making bird boxes, woodland management)
- An organised tree planting event
- Other organised event (please specify)
- None of the above

[ASK ALL]

Q8a – Have you been involved in voluntary work in connection with woodlands in the last 12 months (e.g. physical work in a wood, administration, fund raising, running a group)?

- Yes
- No

[ASK ALL]

Q8b – Are you a member of any community groups that are involved in the conservation and/or management of local woodlands?

- Yes – GO TO Q8c
- No – GO TO Q9

[ASK IF YES AT Q8b]

Q8c – What is the name of your group?

RECORD VERBATIM

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

[ASK ALL]

Q9 – Have you ever seen any of these logos on wood products?

- FSC: Yes No
- PEFC: Yes No
- HETAS: Yes No

[ASK ALL]

Q10 – I’m now going to read out a list of statements that other people have said about tree pests and diseases (e.g. insects, fungi and plants), and I would like you to tell me to what extent you agree with each one.

(1 Strongly agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neither agree nor disagree, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly disagree)

- Everyone should take action when visiting woodlands to help prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases (e.g. by washing shoes/boots, bikes etc before and after their visit and by brushing soil & plant material from clothes)
- I would be willing to look out for and report sightings of pests and diseases on trees, if appropriate information and advice was available to me
- There is very little that anyone can do to prevent the spread of damaging tree pests and diseases
- Action should be taken by authorities and woodland managers to protect trees from damaging pests and diseases
- I understand what is meant by biosecurity [ASK ALL]

Q11a – Do you use any of the following types of wood fuel for heating your home, for cooking or for hot water, either on their own or with other fuels?

Please only tell us about wood fuel you use indoors, not about any wood fuel you may use outdoors.

- Wood logs

- Wood pellets

- Wood briquettes / heat logs

- Waste wood e.g. waste and off-cuts from industrial, manufacturing, DIY or renovation work

- Foraged, gathered or found branch wood from felled or fallen trees

- Wood chips

  o IF YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE – GO TO Q11c o None of the above – GO TO Q11b

[ASK IF NONE AT Q11a]

Q11b – Which of these statements best applies to you?

- I intend to use wood as a fuel in the next two years o GO TO Q11c
- I would like to use wood fuel but am unable to do so o GO TO Q11c
- I do not wish to use wood o GO TO Q12a
- I’m undecided whether I intend to use wood fuel (Go to Q12a) o GO TO Q12a

[ASK IF 1-6 AT Q11a OR 1-2 AT Q11b]

Q11c – What attracts you to firewood use?

- Cheaper than other fuels
- Environmental benefits
- Have access to a free source of wood
- Reliable local supply
- Control of heating costs
- Fuel security/ off grid heating
- Firewood around the house looks attractive
- Cutting and gathering firewood keeps me fit
- Other (please specify) [ASK IF 1-2 AT Q11b]

**Q11d – What has prevented you from using firewood to date?**

- Renting property so unable to make modifications to home to use firewood
- Cost of firewood
- Don’t know where to get firewood
- No place to store firewood
- Too much manual work involved
- Don’t wish to do major building work
- Happy with the way I heat my home / cook
- Live in a chimney “smoke-free” zone
- Other (please specify)

[ASK ALL]

**Q12a – Do you have any physical or mental health conditions or illnesses lasting or expected to last 12 months or more?**

- Yes – GO TO Q12b
- No – END

[ASK IF YES AT Q12a]

**Q12b – Does your condition / illness affect your use of woodlands / forests or other greenspaces?**

- Yes – GO TO Q12c
- No – END [ASK IF YES AT Q12b]

Q12c – In which of the following ways does your condition / illness affect your use of woodlands / forests or other greenspaces?

- Lack of public transport to the woodland/forest or other green space
- Lack of suitable paths around the woodland/forest or other green space
- Lack of accessible facilities, e.g. toilets, cafe, visitor centre etc.
- Lack of suitable activities at the woodland/forest or other green space
- Lack of information to help inform a visit to the woodland/forest or other green space
- Lack of information at the woodland/forest or other green space
- Lack of information in a suitable format for my disability
- Attitude of staff at the woodland/forest or other green space
- Attitude of other visitors at the woodland/forest or other green space
- The cost of reaching the woodland/forest or other green space
- Cost once at the woodland/forest or other green space
- Concern that woods are not a safe place
- Other (please specify)